Summary:
This article discusses Project Based Science (PBS) as a teaching tool to help students connect the science concepts learned in the classroom to their community. PBS gives all students an opportunity to apply a scientific way of thinking to his/her personal interests or relevant social issues, and an opportunity to problem solve concerning the issue. While doing this, the student is immersed in the responsibility of living in a democratic society.
Long Term Group Project:
Students investigate/research a topic of thier choice - gather, analyze, and sythesize information from a variety of sources.
Teacher provides a focus sheet for better organization. Focus Sheet includes nine (9) steps.
1. Driving question
2. Problem Statement
3. Content focus questions
4. Other related questions
5. Proposed actions for investigation
6. Contacts (Who was contacted for information/research about your topic)
7. Meetings to attend
8. Proposed solutions
9. Predictions for the future
The focus sheet is a tool used by the teacher to ensure success. It gives examples and questions to guide the group through an inquiry based project. Each step is given a "Due Date" and helps the teacher to monitor/assess each group's progress. For the students, this project could seem overwhelming so getting it done in "small steps" will help them progress toward success.
The amount of work that goes into a project like this has a big impact on the students. The students feel like they have become experts and they realize that the people of their community care about their ideas. They evolve to functioning, responsible members of the community through the nature of science. They learn that science in the classroom is connected to their every day lives.
http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_teacher.php?category_ID=88&news_story_ID=49113
Summary:
This article discusses Project Based Science (PBS) as a teaching tool to help students connect the science concepts learned in the classroom to their community. PBS gives all students an opportunity to apply a scientific way of thinking to his/her personal interests or relevant social issues, and an opportunity to problem solve concerning the issue. While doing this, the student is immersed in the responsibility of living in a democratic society.
Long Term Group Project:
Students investigate/research a topic of thier choice - gather, analyze, and sythesize information from a variety of sources.
Teacher provides a focus sheet for better organization. Focus Sheet includes nine (9) steps.
1. Driving question
2. Problem Statement
3. Content focus questions
4. Other related questions
5. Proposed actions for investigation
6. Contacts (Who was contacted for information/research about your topic)
7. Meetings to attend
8. Proposed solutions
9. Predictions for the future
The focus sheet is a tool used by the teacher to ensure success. It gives examples and questions to guide the group through an inquiry based project. Each step is given a "Due Date" and helps the teacher to monitor/assess each group's progress. For the students, this project could seem overwhelming so getting it done in "small steps" will help them progress toward success.
The amount of work that goes into a project like this has a big impact on the students. The students feel like they have become experts and they realize that the people of their community care about their ideas. They evolve to functioning, responsible members of the community through the nature of science. They learn that science in the classroom is connected to their every day lives.